[Video] Watch McRae vs. McRae vs. McRae in Colin’s 1997 Impreza WRC | GRR
McRae is a motorsport household name. The legendary Colin McRae won 25 rallies during his two-decade career, and proved instrumental to the Subaru World Rally Team’s three consecutive Constructors' championships in 1995, 1996 and 1997. McRae took the drivers’ title in 1995, and in 1996 was awarded an MBE for services to motorsport.
He inspired a generation of rally drivers, and despite his untimely death in 2007, is still regarded as one of the best rally drivers of recent years. But Colin wasn’t the only rally racing McRae. In fact, both his father, Jim, and brother, Alister, are accomplished drivers. The former won the British Rally Championship title five times in 1981, 1982, 1984, 1987 and 1988, the latter was a WRC regular for more than 20 years.
So, when Max Girardo, owner of Colin’s 1997 world rally car, invited the duo to Wales’ premier off-road zone, Walters Arena, in order to establish who is the fastest McRae, how could they refuse?
In the car in question, McRae won the Kenyan Safari rally, came 2nd in Argentina and was leading in Indonesia before retiring. The car is rally-prepped in situ, before the two take it in turns to tear around the course at blistering speeds, joined by Nicky Grist, Colin’s co-driver from 1997 until 2006. The competition intensifies when another McRae joins the affray, 15-year-old Max, Colin’s nephew.
It’s a fun little video, but we can’t help but watch and wish the great man Colin was able to climb behind the wheel one more time.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch yesterday’s video: Listen to Gerhard Berger’s Ferrari 412T2 F1 car flying round Mugello.